5 Signs You Should Replace a Circular Saw Blade

A circular saw offers a quick and easy way to cut through wooden workpieces. It's a type of motorized power tool that features a circular, disc-shaped blade. As the blade spins, it will cut through the workpiece with which it's used. But circular saw blades don't last forever. You'll eventually need to replace them. How do you know if a circular saw blade needs replacing exactly?

#1) Rust Spots

If you notice any rust spots on a circular saw blade, you should replace it. Most circular saw blades are made of a strong, rust-resistant material. Some of them are made of steel, whereas others are made of composite materials. Regardless, they may succumb to rust when exposed to moisture. Rust spots look like brown and reddish-colored spots. If you discover them on a circular saw blade, you should replace the blade.

#2) Chipped Edge

A chipped edge is a telltale sign that it's time to replace a circular saw blade. Most circular saw blades have a serrated edge. As the blade spins and presses into the adjacent workpiece, it will wear down. Damage may even occur to the circular saw blade. Chunks of the blade itself may break off, resulting in a chipped edge. And you'll need to replace any circular saw blades that have a chipped edge such as this.

#3) Burn Marks

When using a circular saw, pay attention to the workpiece. Circular saws with a worn blade may leave behind burn marks. The burn marks may look like black spots on the surface of the workpiece. What do these burn marks mean exactly? They typically indicate a dull circular saw blade. If the blade is full, it won't be able to create clean cuts. Instead, the blade will create friction that manifests in the form of burn marks.

#4) Increased Resistance

Another telltale sign that it's time to replace a circular saw blade is increased resistance. Resistance is the force that you feel when attempting to push a circular saw blade through a workpiece. If the blade is sharp, you'll encounter little or no resistance, meaning it will be easy to push the circular saw through the workpiece. If the blade is dull, you'll encounter more resistance, in which case you should replace it.

#5) Motor Noises

Unusual noises originating from the motor may indicate that it's time to replace a circular saw blade. Loud noises are often the result of the motor struggling. A dull blade will force the motor to work harder. In turn, the motor may produce loud noises.